Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Evingerlean D. B. Hudson.
Dr. Hudson, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
While I boast a background in higher education with experiences in both academic and student affairs, I decided to switch gears to launch start my social entrepreneurial journey. The catalyst for me was my own experiences. I kept feeling like I was struggling to navigate adulthood as a first-generation college graduate. So, I sought to answer a simple question: “Is anyone else in the same boat as me?” What was a mere attempt to build a community of my own has turned into a global movement. I attribute getting to where I am today to an unwavering belief in the work that I’m doing and a solid ass community. Another thing that’s been tremendously helpful has been doing the work to let go of limiting beliefs about what’s possible for me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not. At. All. As a matter of fact, I’ve laughed at times, thinking I decided to go into entrepreneurship and life was like, “Aight! Turn up on her!” Everything from losing friends and family to the “coco” (you know, that nasty thing that happened in 2020) that came through and wreaked havoc on my business. It’s been projects going left when I’d put so much work into them to go right. I’ve had initiatives to fall apart completely. I had scammers try to run a game with one of my platforms, and at that moment, I was so freaked out. We’ve shipped orders that suddenly got missing. We’ve had apparel printed and come back in the wrong color. It’s been an email or two that wasn’t sent to our mailing list on time. And, of course, I’ve had a few experiences where folks showed up as “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” I could go on and on, but the point is that there will be a lot of things that come up. It’s a part of the game, and understanding this now, I’m good with it. I just adjust my sails and keep it movin’.
As you know, we’re big fans of Evingerlean Worldwide. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Evingerlean Worldwide® is a leading social entity empowering first-generation scholars and professionals across the globe. We were founded by Evingerlean D. B. Hudson, Ph.D. (*raises hand and smiles*), a Black woman who was raised by a single mother in a low-socioeconomic household, but went on to become a first-generation college graduate who earned her Ph.D. at 28.
We are on a mission to inspire, empower, and uplift millions of first-generation trailblazers by helping them learn, grow, and dominate in every aspect of life. We achieve this through impactful, engaging, and transformational global brands and first-of-its-kind initiatives. The First-Gen Lounge is an award-winning and #1 show in the world for first-generation history makers with over 100k downloads across more than 100 countries. The First-Gen Shop® is a store created to celebrate first-generation barrier breakers that’s been featured in EMOIR Magazine, joined forces with organizations including Motorola, and served high-flyers internationally. First-Generation University® is a learning and development platform offering programs in personal growth and professional growth that’s empowered over 20k+ scholars and professionals.
We believe by providing the right tools, resources, and mentorship, we can help first-generation game-changers leave their legacy by overcoming obstacles that litter their road to success. Thus, we are committed to being champions for historically underserved communities, creating safe spaces for growth, making pathways for social mobility, disrupting generational poverty, and building wealth through entrepreneurship.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Believing in yourself is not an option. If you’re going to do it, decide now to commit to the process. This is a long game. So, if you struggle with being patient, buckle up, sweetheart. Even when you don’t feel like you know what you’re doing, trust yourself because you have the capacity to figure all things out. What may seem like a “failure” is an opportunity to learn. Invest, invest, invest, in your business. You can’t free your way to being a millionaire. Understand that whatever you put into the world comes back, so remember, when you do invest, it always comes back. Be good to yourself. Be kind to people. Be sure to take care of yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.evingerleanworldwide.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/evehudsonphd
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/evehudsonphd
